Nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Bowers Mansion Regional Park, only 15 minutes away from South Reno on the way to Carson City.
For 100+ years, people have been visiting this park for its scenic views, swimming pool, mansion, beautiful grounds, history, events, outdoor recreational activities, and more.
*Experience a pleasant picnic under towering shade trees
*Swim in a secluded pool in the middle of nature
*Rent out one of the pavilions for life's special occasions
*Take in a piece of history through educational plaques and tours in the most elegant building of its time
*Let the children run wild and free while exploring, swinging, sliding, and climbing at the playground
I'm so thankful to have such a special and beautiful park nearby—a place that has served and continues to be the perfect spot to learn, have fun, grow, live life to the fullest, and create precious moments.
2020 hours of operation. Opening + closing dates are around the same time every year.
Bower's Mansion Tours
Take a trip back in history and walk in the shoes of past millionaires Eilley & Sandy Bowers with a guided tour offered seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Nevada Day.
I have yet to take it, but from what I've researched, it's popular and led by people who tell the story of the mansion in an entertaining manner (such as the person in the walk-through video tour below).
The park usually hosts special events like Programs on the Porch (free live music), a Civil War event, & more.
Notes
-49-acre park
-No pets allowed due to historical significance, except for service animals
-Plenty of day-use picnic tables with BBQ grills available on a first-come, first-served basis
-Two pavilions, Comstock Picnic Pavilion and Washoe Picnic Pavilion, are located at each end of the park, ideal for special events like weddings. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are next to each pavilion
-Two partially shaded play structures are situated at each end of the park
-Plenty of grassy areas available
-A trail behind the mansion leads to stunning views of Washoe Lake and the Bower family cemetery, accessible via a short dirt trail with stairs (less than 5 minutes)
-The swimming pool keeps a lane open for lap swimmers, and there’s a new gated splash pad for toddlers with easy entry ladders and a hydraulic lift
-The park features many trees that change color in the fall, making it an amazing spot for photos
-Great shade during summer
-Davis Creek Regional Park is just a couple of minutes away, offering family-friendly trails (ranging from easy to difficult), camping grounds, picnic areas, and fishing spots when water levels permit
-I love taking my kids to the Chocolate Nugget Factory for ice cream sundaes and treats after a fun-filled day, only about 5 minutes down the street
-The park is surrounded by farmlands, making it easy to drive around Washoe Lake and spot various farm animals
-Flushable toilets available
-Huge parking lots are located on each side of the park
Growing up with Willy Wonka, I had high expectations of what a chocolate factory should be and after my first visit to this shop, I was not disappointed. It's been a little over 8 years that I've been making memories here with my family.
There's nothing better than consuming guilty pleasures that you know have been made fresh with simple, fine ingredients, from a place that pays attention to all details.
The Chocolate Nugget Factory is more than just a chocolate shop. It's the success of a man driven by the want to support his family while providing good quality treats for all to enjoy.
The Chocolate Nugget Factory delivers on all levels, with treats that you love and new ones to discover, and customer service that never fails.
It's a unique shop with a "Wild West" feel that you won't find just anywhere and I always leave happy and eager for my next visit.
Notes:
-Apple Pay/Samsung Pay for contact free transactions. You can download these apps on your phone and connect them to your cards.
-Local family owned business. Visit their site for their amazing history. The magic all started in 1936.
-Wood Porch out front with tables and seating
-Nice place for pictures in front of tractors and porch
-Check website for occasional specials
-The owner is constantly keeping up with the times: renovations, payment methods, deliveries, Instagram Announcements
-They offer pick-up and delivery. Call in for pick-up orders. Online orders are shipped through USPS.
Must Try Treats
*Caramel Popcorn is so fresh, delicious, and addicting. It's pretty sweet, great for those with sweet tooths
*Roasted nuts are always fresh and taste like the holidays
*All of their taffies are true to their flavors, great in texture with just the right amount of sweetness *Chocolate-dipped pretzels are super crunchy, well-balanced, and not too sweet.
*Peanut Brittle is amazingly thin and fresh: a brittle like no other that will not break your teeth.
*Their fudge is so delicious and always made fresh. Chocolate walnut, divinity (like marshmallow + nuts), peanut butter chocolate are all so drool worthy.
*Chocolate dipped ice cream. Dipped in real chocolate and topped with toppings of your choosing
Notes
-They have another location at the bottom of the Virginia City Foothills, where all of the candy is manufactured. Viewing window available where they make candy. There you will also find stellar service.
-free fudge samples
-The drive on 395 from Reno to the shop is scenic and relaxing. Alternatively, you can take side streets. Take South Virginia all the way down toward Carson City and you will find it on your right.
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